In Our Time The Evolution of Teeth
Apr 11, 2019
Gareth Fraser, an Assistant Professor in Biology, studies tooth evolution, while Zerina Johanson researches vertebrate fossils, and Philip Donoghue specializes in palaeobiology. They explore the origins of teeth, revealing that ancestral vertebrates had none. Sharks can replace thousands, unlike humans. The conversation delves into tooth regeneration and genetic mechanisms, offering insights into potential advancements in dental health. The link between taste buds and teeth is fascinating, alongside the evolutionary transition from scales to true teeth.
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Tooth Definition and Complexity
- A tooth is a hyper-mineralized unit in the mouth, comprised of enamel, dentine, and a pulp cavity.
- Around 400 genes are involved in tooth production, making it a complex structure despite its simple layers.
Shark Teeth: A Model for Understanding Human Teeth
- Sharks possess teeth in their mouths and skin, providing insights into tooth evolution.
- Shark teeth are structurally almost identical to human teeth, and the genes involved are very similar.
Fossil Fish and Teeth
- Fossil fish reveal the evolutionary history of vertebrates, including those with and without jaws.
- Teeth and scales, covered in enamel, are prominent in fossil records due to their mineralization.